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Turnpike. Couple wanting to go through a turnpike into the city
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Turnpike. Couple wanting to go through a turnpike into the city
Couple wanting to go through a turnpike into the city, but being told they have to pay the toll. Date: 1663
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Media ID 23032918
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1663 Roads Toll Tolls Turnpike Turnpikes
EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to the 17th century as we explore this evocative image of a couple making their way towards the city gates, only to be met with the unexpected barrier of a turnpike toll. Dated 1663, this print captures the essence of travel during this era in Britain, when the construction of turnpikes revolutionized the way people moved from one place to another. Turnpikes were private roads that required travelers to pay a toll fee in order to pass. These fees were used to maintain and improve the roads, making them safer and more accessible for all. However, for those on a tight budget or long journeys, the tolls could be a significant expense. In this print, we see a man and a woman, dressed in the fashion of the time, standing before the turnpike gate, looking dismayed at the prospect of having to pay yet another toll. The gatekeeper, a stern-faced man in a red coat, stands firm, indicating that there is no alternative but to pay up. The couple's horse and cart are laden with goods, suggesting that they are on a business trip or perhaps making their way to market. Despite the inconvenience, the couple reluctantly reach into their pockets and pay the toll, no doubt adding to their travel expenses. This scene is a reminder of the challenges and expenses that came with travel during the 17th century, and the importance of well-maintained roads for facilitating movement and commerce. This fascinating print, with its intricate details and historical significance, offers a glimpse into the past and the daily life of travelers during this period in Britain.
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